29-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Pelubang water plant upgrading ahead of schedule
ALOR STAR: Upgrading work at the Pelubang Water Treatment Plant (WTP) may be completed ahead of schedule, said contractor Bina Darul Aman Bhd (BDB).
Its group executive director, Raja Shahreen Raja Othman, said the RM431 million project was 62.5 per cent complete, slightly ahead of the targeted 62.3 per cent, and might be completed ahead of the extension period that was granted.
"Once operational, the facility is expected to improve access to treated water for residents in Kubang Pasu and Kota Setar.
"If we factor this into days, it should be an estimated 43 days (ahead of schedule)," he said during a press conference in conjunction with the company's 30th annual grand meeting today.
Raja Shahreen stated that timely delivery remained a priority but noted that the project faced several non-construction challenges.
"In terms of timing, like it or not, this is something we have to meet, but for us to continue progressing smoothly, we need cooperation from other stakeholders as well.
"This isn't just about digging the ground. There are issues involving land acquisition, permits and existing infrastructure such as roads and private properties," he said.
Raja Shahreen said BDB was confident of delivering the project on time.
"We are committed. We have the financial strength and technical capabilities, but we must also take these external factors into account," he added.
The Pelubang WTP upgrading project aims to almost double the plant's capacity, from the current 247 million litres daily to 457 million litres once completed.
Last year, the media reported that state Public Works, Natural Resources, Water Supply, Water Resources and Environment Committee chairman Mohamad Yusuf @ Munir Zakaria said the Pelubang WTP had been granted an Extension of Time (EOT) until Dec 21, 2025, due to earlier technical issues.
On whether BDB was open to rescuing other delayed water treatment plant projects in Kedah, Raja Shahreen said the company was ready to step in if needed.
"We are prepared to assist with stalled projects. Financially, we are stable, and we possess the technical expertise to bring such projects back on track," he said.
Meanwhile, Raja Shahreen said BDB recorded a pre-tax profit of RM4.51 million on revenue of RM294.7 million for 2024, compared to a RM14.47 million pre-tax profit from RM313.1 million revenue recorded in the previous year.
"Despite the softer financial performance, the group remains optimistic about long-term growth prospects," he said.
